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10/9/2026
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and CSX have signed an agreement that will advance infrastructure improvements needed to make the seasonal Amtrak Berkshire Flyer service permanent.
Under the new agreement, MassDOT will fund construction of a siding and other track improvements in the Pittsfield area to increase capacity and reduce conflicts between passenger and freight operations. MassDOT will also explore the feasibility of a new platform at Pittsfield Station, MassDOT officials said in a press release.
MassDOT included $31 million in its fiscal-year 2027-2031 Capital Investment Plan to fund the work.
The Berkshire Flyer launched in 2023 and was expanded in 2026 as a pilot service. The improvements, once completed, will provide the infrastructure needed to support permanent seasonal weekend Berkshire Flyer service and lay additional groundwork for expanded passenger rail in Western Massachusetts.
In addition, new federal grants awarded to Amtrak will fund the introduction of new Airo trainsets to passenger-rail services in Massachusetts. MassDOT manages Amtrak-operated routes in the state under the name Compass Rail.
The new trainsets will be used for the Berkshire Flyer and the planned Inland Route between Boston, Springfield and New Haven, Connecticut.